I was already running late.
That alone should've been a warning that the day was going to be messy. I grabbed my bag and hurried downstairs, scanning the empty hallway.
Mom wasn't there. My chest sank a little. She was usually the first one up, bustling around like she could fix anything with a smile.
Mr Cole was by the door, with his phone pressed to his ear. He glanced at me, muttered a quick "sorry," then went back to whatever negotiation he was in.
Where was Seb?
Where was anyone?
Mr Cole ended the call and exhaled. "Seb had to leave early," he said casually. "So… Drew will take you.
Drew?!! Not the devil's incarnate.
"And your mom already went ahead to get supplies. She didn't want to wake you."
I nodded, already backing toward the door. It's fine. I should go.
Drew was leaning against the doorframe with his hands in his pockets, looking relaxed in that way that wasn't relaxed at all.
He met my eyes, and looked away.
"Let's go," he said.
I followed, because what choice did I have?
Drew got in first.
I hovered by the passenger door before getting in.
I set my bag at my feet and stared straight ahead, folded my hands in my lap, as the car rolled out of the driveway.
He didn't say anything.
Then, without looking at me, he spoke.
"First days are survival mode," he said calmly. "Sit where you feel safest. Leave when you need to."
I blinked.
That wasn't what I expected. My throat tightened anyway.
"I…" The word came out too small, so I stopped.
He glanced at me then.
"You don't have to respond," he added. "I don't need your reassurance."
Of course you don't.
I rolled my eyes anyways, staring out the window.
We drove a little farther.
Then he pulled away on the road.
I sucked in a breath before I could stop myself.
"Seatbelt" he said.
Before I could react, he leaned across me to grab the belt himself.
His arm moved across my chest, close enough that I could feel the heat of him. His breath brushed my cheek.
My body went still.
He clicked it in place, and pulled back like nothing had happened.
I stared out the window, annoyed at myself for reacting like that.
Get it together, Evelyn.
At a stoplight, I caught his reflection in the side mirror, his sharp jawline, long lashes, the veins on his arm that flexed as he gripped the wheel.
Drew reminded me of Owen…
The way Owen used to drive with one hand on the wheel, carelessly.
My chest ached.
I swallowed and looked away.
The school came into view, and my stomach dropped. It was nothing like Westbrook, or all the other schools from where i came from.
Glass windows. Perfect lawns. Students clustered in groups in their fancy uniforms.
He pulled up smoothly, parked, and cut the engine.
"Blackwell's rough the first week," he said, finally turning fully toward me. "People sniff out weakness."
My fingers curled into my bag strap.
"Don't give them that satisfaction," he added. "You don't owe anyone anything."
I nodded, even though my chest felt too tight to breathe properly.
I opened the door, and stepped out.
Immediately, I felt it.The whispers.
Who's that?
Is she new?
Why is she with Drew?
Is that his new chick?
I forced myself to breathe.
A blonde girl walked straight up to Drew, reached for his collar and pulled him down into a kiss.
My chest tightened.
She laughed softly, brushing her thumb on his jaw.
"Since when are you playing chauffeur?" she said. Her gaze flicked at me, dismissively.
Drew smirked. "Nobody. You don't have to worry about her."
Nobody?
That shouldn't have stung, but it did.
I turned away before either of them could say anything else. My hands tightened on the bag strap. My breath came fast.
I swallowed, forcing myself to focus.
What's so dangerous about Blackwell that Drew keeps warning me about weakness?
I had to find out.